Ranunculus are a good value because you get many flowers per corm. They last quite a while. Dahlias which is a tuber not a bulb is good for three months of bloom with many many flowers per tuber.

I'd suggest combining winter/spring blooming bulbs with summer/fall bloomers. Dahlias, while not true bulbs, can't be beat for very long season of bloom. Smaller winter blooming bulbs such as forms of Ipheion uniflorum will bloom for up to 3 months and naturalize to the point of weediness. Iris relatives such as Neomarica caerulea give 2 months of mid summer bloom, and so does Moraea polyphylla. Crocosmia cultivars bloom for a long time in summer, as do some of the Crinums. Wachendorfia thyrsiflora is not technically a bulb either, but will often bloom nearly all year long in Alameda. Watsonia species and hybrids are another personal favorite, as are Sparaxis, Babiana, Ixia, and Eucomis. Kniphofia thompsonii is another very long season of summer bloom, and Kniphofia 'Cristmas Cheer' is great for late fall into midwinter bloom.

I would plant Asiatic lilies, in particular, the pixie varieties, in pots. The Oriental lilies are fussier.

Tulips do not rebloom in Southern California, and they have to be pre-chilled.

I second ranunculous, and if it's not too sunny, cyclamen.

It sounds like a fun project.
Renee